Anna Maria Island is one of the most picturesque parts of the Sunshine State, reminiscent of “Old World Florida” that has nowadays been lost in the overcrowded cities of Orlando and Tampa. Head to this breathtaking seven-mile stretch of white sand coastline located just off the coast of Manatee County. Anna Maria Island is home to the cities of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, giving you ample areas to explore with your friends or family during your much-needed getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life!
One of the main perks of visiting this beautiful stretch of land is the ease of getting around. Unlike other metropolitan areas, you actually don’t need a car to see the nearby beaches and explore all of the best attractions with the help of your Anna Maria Island transit.
Anna Maria Island Trolley
You don’t have to walk everywhere to see the sights and sounds of the island – take the free Anna Maria Island trolley! This is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to get around, as it traverses the entire length of the island and stops at numerous dining, shopping, and lodging options. Plus, it runs every day from 6 am to 10:30 pm, meaning that even for early-morning beach runs or late-night bar crawls, the trolley is the top choice.
Rent a Golf Cart
Another fun way to get around is by renting a golf cart! A golf cart is a quick and easy option for short trips that give you more flexibility than walking or the trolley. You can even take the golf carts on the streets and cruise up to 35 miles per hour to get to your destination quickly!
Biking on the Island
A fun way to get around that provides a healthy form of exercise is going biking on the island. You can either bring your own or rent a bike from one of the nearby shops. We recommend biking along the Coquina bike path to get to the surrounding attractions, such as Manatee Public Beach, Coquina Beach, and Holmes Beach.
To get to Manatee Public Beach, follow Manatee Avenue until it becomes Gulf Drive. For Coquina Beach, head south to the end of the island and check out 5th Street North Parking to claim a spot. Lastly, if you want to head to Bayfront Park for a picnic, cycle or drive along Gulf Drive until you reach Bay Boulevard.
Walking on the Island
Lastly, walking on the island is a great way to take your time and see all there is to offer on your next vacation! We recommend stopping at the beaches, wandering around pedestrian-only areas, and stopping at the numerous beaches, shops, and cafes.
